Electromedical apparatus



April 7,, 1925. v A.. WlNTERFIELD ELECTROMEDI CAL APPARATUS 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 29, 1922 "w mm W M M/I/E/VTOR X Zwa 5; ATTORNEYS Ari! 7, 1925. 1,532,4 3

A. WHNTERIFIELD ELECTROMEDI CAL APPARATUS Filed Aug. 29. 1922 s Sheets-Sheet 2 6:: Q 2 2: 8V v z r w a f q l MTORIVHs Patented Apr. 7,1925.

ARTHUR wm'rnnrmm), or NEW YORK, N. Y.

ELECTROMEDIdAL APPARATUS.

Application filed August 29 1922. Serial No. 584,941. 4

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I,'ARTHUR WINTnRrm-w, a citizen of the United States, residing in New York, county and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Electromedical Apparatus, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to electro-medical apparatus and is particularly concerned with an improved form of instrument of the selfcontained type.

I shall describe a preferred form of embodiment of the invention and. then point out the novel features thereof in the claims. In the drawings,

F'gure 1 is a view showing a side -eleva-.

tion of an instrument embodying my invention;

Figure 2is a view showing theinstrument of Figure 1 in'bottom plan, together with an applicator in side elevation; this applicator being partly in section;

Figure 3 is an end elevation of Figure 2, part of the casing being broken awayto expose the mounting of the roller electrodes;

Figure 4 is a View similar to Figure 2, with the roller'electrodes and cover plate removed to show the parts interior of the'cas- Figure 5 is a view showing a section of Fi ure 4 on line V'V;

igure 6 is a plan view of the applicator ing the circuit connections of the present inventwn;

Similar characters of reference designate similar parts in each of the several views.

The instrument consists of a box oi casing 1 preferably of wood or other insulating material-provided with a handle 2. On one face of the casing is provided a brush 3 composed of bristles 4 of non-rusting metal, such as Monel, or other conducting material, and the other face of the casing is provided with roller electrodes 5 composed of any suitable conducting material such as nickel plated brass. The roller and bristle electrodes are capable of being electrified, as described hereinafter, and the, degree of electrification is controlled by a suitable rheostat governed by means of a knob 6 extending out of the side of the casing. The various parts of the instrument will now be described in greater detail.

The roller electrodes 5 are each composed of a hollow tube 8 (see Figure 3), the ends of which tube are closed b forcing the metal of the tube wall inward y by means of a suitable die, the central portion of each end wall being formed with a conical projection 9, which projection constitutes a bearing member for the roller, Each roller is thus formed of a single-pieceof material and. is capable of being produced atan extremely low cost. The ends of the tube are rounded off, as indicated at 10, to eliminate all rough corners liable to be injuriouslwhen the rollers are pressed into firm contact with the body of the patient;

The rollers are journaled in brackets 11 formed of sheet material and punched at their outer ends to form bearing surfaces for the conical extensions 9 of the rollers.

At their lower ends, the brackets are proplate 14 is retained in position by means of screws 16 and a frame 17 which is preferably of a high y polished metal, to enhance theappearance of the instrument.

The brush 3 is composed of the bristle electrodes 4, hereinbefore mentioned, which electrodes extend through} a sheet 186 of rubber .or other insulating material, each bristle being provided with a head 19, which head serves the dual purpose of preventing the bristle from passing out of the sheet 18 and making contact with a plate electrode 20 or 21, which electrodes consist'of strips of metal mounted on the wooden bottom 22 of the box. The electrodes are parallel to each other and a short distance apart, as indicated in Figure 7, so as to be insulated from each other. The rubber sheet 18- is retained in place by meansof a polished retaining frame 23 aflixed to the exterior of the casing 1. The outer ends of the his tles 4, it should be observed, are well rounded so as to prevent scratching of the scalp or other surface to which they may be applied. B detaching the retaining frame 23,. it will e observed, the brush may be detached from the instrument for purposes of sterilization. Instead of using a brush, the instrument of the present invention may,

' if desired, be provided with a pair of combs,

which combs are preferably mounted on the casing parallel to each other and constructed of metal, so that the teeth of the combs may be electrified, the two combs being connected to opposite terminals of the induction coil, hereinafter described, similarly as the plate electrodes and 21 of the brush.

' 1m Within the casing is mounted an inducing, the position of the contact point being capable of adjustment by means of aknurled member 33, as usual in-the art. The end of contact spring 29 is provided with an armature 34 which cooperates with the core 26 of the coil.

Resistance elements 35, 35 35, 35, and 35, for governing the current in the sec ondary side of the coil, are composed of fiber spools designated 35 to 35 inclusive, wound with veryfine resistance wire, each spool being secured at one end to a bar 37 also of fiber or other suitable insulating material, this bar being secured by means of screws 38 to the bottom wall of the casing.

It will be observed that the end pieces 27 of the coil are of such length as to provide suflicient space between the winding and the .bottom wall of the casing, that the coils and the rheostat may be inserted into-this space. This construction, it will be observed, is of considerable advantage in that it enhances the compactness of the instrument.

The switch device for governing the nu mber ,of rheostat elements inserted into the external circuit of the vibrator comprisesthe knob or handle 6, hereinbefore referred to, which knob operates a shaft 39 which extends through the side wall of the casing,

bearing plates 40 being aflixed to both the outer and inner surface of the wall. A collar 41 is mounted on the end of the shaft- 39 by means of a screw 42 and is provided with a contact finger 43, the position of which may be controlled b knob 6. The contact finger cooperates wit contact points designated 44 to 44, inclusive, arranged in semi-circular formation on a plate 45 of insulating material, which plate is secured by means of screws 46 to the bottom wall of the casing. Each contact point 44, it will be observed, is in the form of a bolt having with terminal members 51 and 52, which 'members are adapted to receive the terminal plugs such as and 86 of a sponge type of hand applicator, as indicated in Figure 2. This applicator comprises a hard rubber handle 87 integral with a base 88 having a spheroidal projection 89, which projection is covered by a piece of sponge sheet material 90. A retaining ring 91, threaded over the rim of member 88, serves to hold the sponge material in place. 79 and 80 are provided between projection 89 and sponge 90, these electrodes being connected to wires 77 and 78, which wires Electrodes I extend through the central opening of handle 87 and lead to plugs 85 and 86, which, as above mentioned, may be inserted into terminals 51 and 52. It will be ob served, that when the sponge is electrified, as hereinafter described, current from the electrodes 79 and 80 will pass through the sponge and through the part of the body with which the applicator is in contact.

The handle 2 of the instrument is hollow and provided with a threaded end 53 by means of which the same may be inserted into a metallic cap 54, which cap is secured in place by means of a bolt 55 cooperating with the end of easing 1. The head of the bolt engages the "interior wall of easing 1, and the nut of which is in engagement with cone-shaped cap 56, preferably of fiber or other insulating material, this cap being provided with a flange 57, which engages the end wall 58 of the cap. A pair of nails or other fastening members 59 serve to prevent the cap from turning when the casing of handle 2 is screwed into or out of cap 54. A battery 60 of the ordinary flashlight type is mounted within the 2, a cap 61 (Figures 1 and 2) being provided for permitting the renewal of the battery, as in the ordinary flashlight construction. The bolt 55, hereinbefore mentioned, serves as an electrode for the central pole of the batte a spring 62 in cap 61 serving to hold the pole in engagement'with the bolt. The other terminal of the battery consists of a spring 63 which, by. means of a handle 64, may be caused to enter into a slot '65 provided on a screw 66 extending through cap 56 and mounted in the wall of the easing 1. Bolt 55 and screw 66 thus constitute casing of handle the terminals of battery potential within the instrument. T

The operation of the instrument may now be readily understood by reference to Figure 7, which indicates the preferable form' in which the various parts of the instrument are electrically connected. As shown in the diagram, the battery 67 is connected through bolt 55, contact 31, contact spring 29, wire 68 to contact point 44 of wire 69 to one terminal of winding 25, and the other side of the battery is connected through switch 7 connected in series with each other, conductor 73, contact point 44, contact finger 43 and conductor 74. Alternate rollers are thus impressed with opposite potential so that the current is caused to pass through the part of the body to which the rollers are applied.

The brush electrodes 20 and 21 are connected in parallel with the rollers by means of conductors 75 and 76, so that opposite halves of the brush are oppositely electrified. The electricity is thus caused to pass through the scalp or other part of the body to which the brush may be applied. The terminals '51 and 52 are also connected in parallel with wires 70 and 74, so that any hand applicator which may be connected to the terminal, as

for example, the applicator shown in-Figure 2, becomes electrified through conductors 77 and 78 connected to plates 79 and 80.

The intensity of electrification of the electrodes is adjusted by changing the number of resistance elements included in the secondary circuit of the coil. For this purpose, the contact points 44", 44, 44' and 44%. are connected between the individual units by Wires 81,82, 83 and 84. When, therefore, contact finger 43' is in the position shown, all the resistance elements are connected in the circuit. When the finger 43 is in contact with 44", resistance element 35 'is shunted out of the circuit, the current passing through elements 35", 35, 35, 35 and through conductor 81 to contact point 44", from which it is conducted by contact finger 43 to the electrodes. The total resistance of the secondary circuit now being rei duced, the intensity of the electrification is increased.

As the contact arm is moved to the next contact point, the next element, namely 35,

' is cut out, and soon, until when the contact arm is in contact with point 44, the full strength of the secondary circuit is applied to the electrodes.

It will be observed that the resistance elements, according to the present invention, are introduced into the secondary circuit of the induction coil rather than the primary. The advantage of this form of connection consistsin the fact that the current in the primary circuit remains practically unchanged irrespective of the regulation of the secondary resistance, so that the operation of the vibrator is not effected by the regulation of the resistance.

Experience has shown that when the resistance is inserted in the primary circuit, there is, under certain conditions, such weakening of the current that the vibrator fails to operate properly for the lower values of current. F or the present arrangement, the operation of the vibrator remains practically constant in frequency and intensity irrespective of the resistance introduced into the secondary circuit. In the practical operation of thev instrument, this is an advantage of paramount importance.

Although I have herein shown and described only one particular form of construction and apparatus embodying the invention, it will be readily understood that many changes and modifications may be made therein within the scope of the following claims without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it being my intention to claim the same as broadly as the state of the prior art will permit.

What I claim is:

1. In an electro-medical instrument. a casing having a handle, electrodes plovidcd on the exterior of the casing, an induction coil mounted within said casing, a source of current for energizing said coil, :1 secondary circuit for said coil, said circuit comprising said electrodes, a plurality of resistance elements in said secondary circuit, means for mounting said elements within said,casing, and switch mechanism for governing the number of said resistance elements included in said circuit, said mechanism comprising a handle extending to the exterior of said casing and a contact finger mounted on said handle in the interior of the casing, cooperating with said elements and stop means limiting the angular move ment of said contact finger.

2.1m, an electro-medical instrument, a casing havin a handle, electrodes provided on the extenor or the casing, an induction coil mounted Within said casing, a source of current for energizing said coil... a secondar circuit for said coil, said circuit com.- prlsing said electrodes, a variable resistance in said secondary cricuit, said resistance comprising a plurality of resistance units, and means for including a variable number of'said units in said circuit, said means comprising a handle on the exterior of said casing and contact finger for cooperating with said resistance units, said finger being mounted at the interior of the casing, and indicating means provided on said handle for showing the number of units included in said circuit. a

3. In an electro-medical instrument, a casing, electrodes provided on the exterior thereof, an induction coil mounted within said casing, a source or current for energizing said coil, a secondary circuit for said coil, said circuit comprising said electrodes, a variable resistance -'in said secondary circuit, said resistance comprising a plurality of resistance units connected in series with each other, and means for including a variable number of said units in said circuit, said means comprising a handle on the exterior of said casing, a contact finger for cooperatingwith said resistance units, said finger being mounted-on said handle at the interior of the casing,and indicating means provided on said handle for showing the number of units included in said circuit.

winding, resistance elements,

points, means whereby sald elements are- 4. In combination, an induction coil, a winding for said coil, a primary circuit for said winding, said circuit including a source of current, an intermittent contact operated by said coil, a secondary circuit for said said circuit comprising a series of v a series of contact connected in series with each other between the first and last of said contact points, said contact points being arranged in a semicircle, semi-circle, a contact finger mounted on said contact post 'for cooperating with said .contact points, a connection from each intermediate contact point to the terminal of an intermediate resistance element, aplurality of electrodes, a connection from said contact post to one of said electrodes, a connection from one terminal of the said winding to the other'of said electrodes, and a connection from theother terminal of. the

.rial, and means for a contact post at the center of said Winding to one. of the end contact points of said series.

5. In an electro-medical instrument, a casing, an induction coil within said casing, a pair of end pieces mounted on the wall of said casing, said end pieces being of sufiicient length to coil and the Wall of the casing, a plurality of resistance elements for said coil, and means for mounting said units so as to extend into the space between said coil and the wall of the casing.

6. In an electro-medical instrument, a casing, an induction coil within said casing, a pair of end pieces mounted on the wall of said casing, suflicient length to provide a space between the coil and the wall of the casing, a. plurality of resistance elements for said coil, each of said elements comprising a spool of fibre or other insulating material and a winding of fine wire on said spool, means for mounting said units in the space between said coil and the wall of said casing, said means comprising a bar of insulating matemounting an end of each of said coils on said bar.

7. An electro-medical instrument comprising a casing,ua handle therefor, an induction coil mounted within said casing, a battery mounted in said handle, said handle comprising a casing having a threaded end, a cap mounted on said casing for receiving said threaded end, means for securing said cap to said casing, said means comprising a cup of insulating material, a bolt for cooperating with said casing and said cup, said cup being provided with a flange for retaining the cap against the wall of said casin said bolt constituting a terminal for one -e ectrode of the battery, a member for constituting the other electrode of the battery, said member passing through said cu and said casing and bemgprovidedwitii a slot adjacent the battery, and a switching device provided on said handle for entering into said bolt.

In testimony whereof I have aflixed my signature to this specification.

ARTHUR WIN TERFIELD.

provide a space between the 

